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Garda Recruitment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 April 2014

Tuesday, 8 April 2014

Questions (414)

Joe McHugh

Question:

414. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the career progression options available to a person who has a proven track record, credible history and excelled in their role within the Garda Reserve Force once they have passed the age limit to enter An Garda Síochána owing to the restrictions on recruitment in the Garda force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16347/14]

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Written answers

I wish to put on record my appreciation for the contribution that those who volunteer for service as Garda Reserve members make on a daily basis to the work of An Garda Síochána. Together with full time members, they provide vital assistance to communities and neighbourhoods right across the country.

The age at which any candidate may apply to join the Garda Síochána as a full time member is set by regulation 4 (a) of the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013 which states as follows:

4. Subject to the provisions of these Regulations, a person is eligible to apply for admission as a trainee where, on the closing date specified in the advertisement for the competition to which the admission relates—

(a) the person has attained 18 years of age but has not yet attained 35 years of age.

This regulation applies without discrimination and no concessions are available to any person.

For those who do meet the age requirements, the Admission and Appointment Regulations provide that, as part of the competitive selection process organised by the Public Appointments Service for full-time membership of An Garda Síochána, "due recognition to any satisfactory service by the person as a reserve member" shall be given to such candidates. This provision was introduced in order to acknowledge the beneficial experience and skills gained by a reserve member and to allow them, at assessments and at interview, the opportunity to highlight that experience and skill. It is important that all persons wishing to join the full time force undergo the same competitive selection and recruitment process. In doing so the integrity of the process is maintained at all stages of the competition.

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